Federer rallies with Rod Laver, at Rod Laver Arena

Roger Federer of Switzerland misses a backhand during a gala charity exhibition match in the lead up to the Australian Open against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan 8, 2014. The charity event for the Roger Federer Foundation and the Australian Tennis Foundation will raise money for the education of African children. AP/Mal Fairclough

MELBOURNE — Roger Federer finally got to find out what it’s like to hit against Rod Laver.

Federer, who burst into tears after receiving the Australian Open winner’s trophy from Laver in 2006, has spoken of the Australian great with reverence in the past.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner started a fundraising event Wednesday with a few rallies against the 75-year-old Laver, who twice completed the Grand Slam and had the center court at Melbourne Park named in his honor. Federer told the crowd: “The racket feels a little heavy right now.”

Laver, dressed in the cream shorts and vest of a bygone era, netted a few backhands before going to the net to mix it up with some volleys against the 32-year-old Federer, who is preparing for next week’s Australian Open.

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